Forsythe, Franklin J., age 97, late of New Lenox and formerly of Manhattan, passed away on Saturday, November 13, 2021, with family by his side. Survived by his wife Emily (nee Hollingsworth) of 74 years, 4 sons, John (Sally), Patrick (Dorothy), Franklin II (Sandy), Daniel (Christine), daughter-in-law Jacqueline, 8 grandsons, 8 granddaughters, 25 great-grandsons, 23 great granddaughters, 1 great-great grandson and another great-great grandchild on the way. Preceded in death by his parents John and Mary (Doyle) Forsythe, son David (2002), 4 brothers, David (Lavetta), John Raymond (Madeline), Donald (Magdalene), Robert (Mary Elizabeth), 2 sisters, Margaret (Jack) Butcher and Mary Ellen (Franklin) Coldwater. Frank grew up on what is now Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. After graduating from Joliet Catholic High School (Class of 1942), Frank attended University of Notre Dame. Frank was a proud patriot and honorably served in the United States Army during WWII in the CBI Theatre. After returning home, Frank attended Worsham College of Mortuary Science (Class of 1947). He was a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer for 74 years. He was the recipient of the Illinois Funeral Directors Association 50 years of Distinctive Service Award. Frank founded an Ambulance Service and Forsythe Funeral Home that has proudly served the Manhattan Community since 1949. He was employed at the Joliet Arsenal for 30 years as safety director and retired as commander's representative in 1980. Frank was a member of many organizations including being a Life Member of New Lenox VFW Post 9545, Charter Member and past Commander of Manhattan American Legion Post 935, Charter Member of Manhattan Lyons Club and Life Member Knights of Columbus #382 as 4th Degree Knight. He served on the Board of the First Bank of Manhattan for over 30 years. Frank was very involved as a parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church and was a lector for over 60 years and served as sexton of St. Joseph Cemeteries since 1949. Frank also served on the Joliet Hospice Care Board for 3 years. Frank and Emily enjoyed spending time with all their children and vacationing at their winter home in Fort Myers, FL. He loved to play golf and was blessed by having 2 hole-in-ones. One of his life's highlights was when he and Emily met with Pope John Paul II and President James Carter and first lady Roslyn at the White House. Frank was an inspiration to many and will be truly missed by all. Visitation for Frank will be on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, from 3:00 – 8:00 P.M. at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, Manhattan. Funeral service will be on Thursday, November 18, 2021, beginning with prayers at 10:30 A.M. at the funeral home followed by procession to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 235 W. North St., Manhattan, for 11:00 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial. Internment St. Joseph Cemetery, Manhattan. Memorials in Frank's name made to St. Joseph Catholic Church or St. Joseph Catholic School would be most appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.